Tammanies facts for kids

The Tammanies or Tammany Societies were groups named after a wise Native American chief from the 1600s named Tamanend. He was a leader of the Lenape people, also known as the Delaware. Members of these societies even called him "St. Tammany," seeing him as a special protector for America.

While many people today know about New York City's famous Tammany Hall, which was also called the Great Wigwam, Tammany Societies were not just in New York. They existed in many places across the American colonies and later in the new country.

What Were the Tammany Societies?

The Tammany Societies were groups of people who admired and celebrated Native American culture. They used Native American names for their leaders, their meeting places, and even how they kept track of time. They also created special traditions and sometimes wore clothes inspired by Native American styles.

How Did They Start?

One of the first Tammany Societies was likely formed in Philadelphia on May 1, 1772. This group was called the "Sons of King Tammany." At first, some of these groups supported the King of England, meaning they were "Loyalists."

However, another group, the "Saint Tammany" society, formed later. These members supported American independence and wanted to break away from the King. The name "Saint Tammany" is still remembered today in places like Saint Tammany Parish, Louisiana.

The idea of creating American groups with Native American themes started even earlier, during the French and Indian War. It became very popular among soldiers in the Revolutionary Army. Many of these soldiers lived on the frontier and knew a lot about Native American life and customs.

What Was Their Style?

A group sometimes known as the "Columbian Order" decided to use Native American names and create traditions based on what they thought were Native American customs.

• They chose the name of the Delaware chief, Tamanend.
• Their meeting places were called "wigwams."
• They had 13 main branches, or "tribes," which matched the 13 original states.
• For example, the New York group was the "Eagle Tribe."
• New Hampshire was the "Otter Tribe."
• Delaware was the "Tiger Tribe," which is where the famous "Tammany tiger" idea came from.

Meeting Like a Tribe

The main leader of each "tribe" was called a "sachem." The overall leader of the entire organization was known as the "kitchi okeemaw," or "grand sachem." Other leaders also had Native American titles.

They kept their records using a system based on "moons" (months) and "seasons," like Native Americans did. When members met, they sometimes wore special clothes that looked like Native American outfits.

A Meeting Example

The main goal of the Tammany Societies was to enjoy everything related to Native American culture, including their titles, how they marked seasons, their traditions, language, and clothing.

Here is an example from a meeting notice in 1832 for Wigwam No. 9 in Hamilton, Ohio:

• NOTICE.--The members of the Tammany Society No. 9 will meet at their wigwam at the house of brother William MURRAY, in Hamilton, on Thursday, the first of the month of heats, precisely at the going down of the sun. Punctual attendance is requested.
• "By order of the Great Sachem. "
• The ninth of the month of flowers, year of discovery 323. William C. KEEN, Secretary

This notice shows how they used terms like "wigwam," "month of heats" (meaning summer), "going down of the sun" (sunset), and "month of flowers" (meaning spring).